Deal nothing more than a salary saver  —  Trade?  OK.  That's what the press release called it.  That's what Phillies general manager Pat Gillick called it.  And that's what the New York Yankees will probably call it two months from now, when they talk about the key moves that allowed …

The final piece  —  Minaya may trade Milledge for Oswalt or Schmidt  —  The New York Mets are engaged in serious talks for two superb starting pitchers who carry the potential to stamp them as a World Series favorite — Giants right-hander Jason Schmidt and, in something of a shocker …

Trade winds not gusting: But rumors swirl about 3-way deal  —  With the non-waivers trading deadline rapidly approaching, the Red Sox continued to generate plenty of smoke but still no bonfire that would signal a blockbuster many are expecting.  —  The juiciest rumors …

Soriano, Nationals Are Still Waiting  —  When the Washington Nationals' bus pulled out of the lot just beyond center field Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, Alfonso Soriano was on it, headed to the airport.  On the same bus sat Jim Bowden, the team's general manager, carrying not just his luggage …

Tigers acquire Casey from Pirates  —  The Tigers, completing their quest to add a left-handed hitter, acquired first baseman Sean Casey from the Pirates on Monday for a minor-league pitcher, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  The deal is expected to be one of several completed by the Pirates before Monday's non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m.

Willie: We don't need any trades  —  ATLANTA - The nonwaiver trading deadline arrives at 4p.m. today, and while their crosstown rivals have made a splash in acquiring Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle, Mets insiders have consistently downplayed the likelihood of a deal - especially one that rivals Abreu's relocation to the Bronx.

Willis' suitors down to deadline  —  PHILADELPHIA - Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria was adamant Saturday when he said pitcher Dontrelle Willis would not be traded.  —  That loyalty to his highest-paid player and most marketable pitcher will be tested, right until today's 4 p.m. trade deadline.

Reds acquire LHP Rheal Cormier from Phillies  —  Send RHP Justin Germano to Philadelphia  —  CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky today announced the acquistion of LHP Rheal Cormier from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league RHP Justin Germano.

Reasonable goal: .500 at home  —  In the midst of the longest homestand of the season (11 games), the Cubs have rejuvenated thoughts about someday reaching the .500 mark at the supposed "Friendly Confines" of Wrigley Field.  —  With four straight victories over the Cardinals, they improved to 21-28, so the goal is a lofty one.

Cards get 2nd baseman from Cleveland  —  CHICAGO  —  With the opening salvo of a possible flurry of moves, the Cardinals solidified their infield rather than their outfield Sunday by acquiring Cleveland Indians second baseman Ronnie Belliard for utility player Hector Luna.  —  "He's a good offensive player.

Shealy looks gone by trade deadline  —  Ryan Shealy may finally get his wish to contribute to the Rockies' playoff push - by landing Colorado a bullpen reinforcement.  —  Kansas City and Pittsburgh continue to pursue Shealy, and he remains on the back burner for Baltimore and the New York Yankees …

It looks as if Maddux won't be on the move  —  Offers for veteran not suitable to Hendry  —  Greg Maddux looked up in surprise as a group of reporters surrounded his locker Sunday following the Cubs' 6-3 victory over St. Louis.  —  "Ain't nothing going on," said Maddux …